Compact fast nuclear reactor using heat pipes

ABSTRACT

A fast nuclear reactor is described which comprises a conical reactor core surrounding an embedded array of heat pipes of, per se, novel structure, carrying either moderator or nuclear fuel material as part of their working fluid. This reactor system is self-regulating, because an excessive increase in reactivity drives the fuel or moderator working fluid out of the conical core region, thereby reducing reactivity. The heat pipes are protected against burnout by a novel heat pipe envelope shape and internal wicking structure designed to increase the working fluid circulation speed with increasing heat transfer loads.



